Passat B5 - electrical / lighting problems

[evobaz]

I noticed that my off side rear tail light and side light weren't working recently. I checked the bulbs and they looked ok but swapped them anyway and they still didn't work.

Tonight when I was parking the car I noticed that the off side front side/head lights weren't working but when I hit the brake pedal the front sidelight came on???

Any ideas where to start?

Cheers in advance.

Baz

[stig414]

Fuses first, then light switch.

[hotrod09]

Sounds like you have a short somewhere in the system. You are obviously closing the circuit when you press the brakes. If you have access to a Haynes or Bentley Manual I suggest you look at where both meet and cross. Could be a chaffed wire somewhere unless you have worked on the electrical system before the fault occured. Unfortunately our Passis are well known for their electrical gremlins. Good starting point for anything going from front to back is always the carpets under the driver/passenger seats (usual water ingress) and along the sill by the doors. If anything got pinched there it will wear eventually and cause you grief.
Big mug of tea or beer and one piece at a time should get you going again - Good Luck!

[stig414]

Re Fuses/light switch.

I had a Ibiza which showed the same symptoms, it transpired it was the main light switch and was replaced under warranty. Hence why I suggested the switch. Unfortunately as it was a warranty claim, I cannot say what the fault was, other than the new switch cured it! The car travelling down a bumpy road also turned the sidelight circuit back on, which to me suggested a loose internal joint in the switch housing.
HTH Daz

[evobaz]

cheers guys - i'll have a look at those suggestions